Did you know that you cannot achieve optimum oral health with brushing and flossing alone? To keep your mouth healthy, you must visit your dentist in Crystal River, FL, at least once every six months. Unfortunately, many people are afraid to see their dentist.
Substantial evidence shows that the causes of dental anxiety and fear vary. People fear the dentist because of previous traumatic experiences or hearing horrifying stories from other people. Fear of the unknown is a major contributing factor.
To help quell your fears and give clarity to the confusion, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about dental cleanings. Learning the facts will help you appreciate the necessity to have your teeth professionally cleaned.
Dental Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Professional Dental Cleaning?
Professional dental cleaning differs from your oral care routine at home because the process is more thorough. It also involves a series of steps. Unlike ordinary brushing and flossing, professional dental cleaning removes hardened tartar on the surface of your teeth. Removing discoloration and tooth stains is a bonus.Why Do You Need to Have Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
Dental cleanings are just as important as practicing proper dental hygiene. The technique aims to remove tartar that can damage your teeth and gum tissues. Unfortunately, it is something you cannot do at home. Only a trained dental professional can perform the procedure.How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
Ideally, you should see your dentist at least once every six months. But if you have oral health problems like gum disease, your dentist may recommend dental cleanings every three months. The best way to know the interval is to ask your dentist during your consultation.Are Dental Cleanings Painful?
The good news is that dental cleanings are not painful. However, feeling vibrations and pressure is normal as your dentist works on each tooth to scrape the tartar off. If the pressure makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to let your dentist know so they can make adjustments.How Is It Done?
Although the procedure is pretty straightforward, it does involve a series of steps. It starts with an oral exam. Your dentist will assess your mouth using a small concave mirror. Oral exams allow your dentist to check the condition of your teeth and gums for signs of trouble. If a problem is detected, your dentist will decide if the dental cleaning will push through. After the oral exam, your dentist will manually remove tartar from the surface of your teeth and along the gumline using a small mirror as a guide and a scaler. It’s normal to hear scraping sounds but don’t worry; it shouldn’t hurt. The amount of time your dentist will spend on each tooth will depend on the severity of the tartar buildup. The more tartar you have, the longer it’s going to take. Once your mouth is tartar free, your dentist will brush your teeth using a high-powered electric toothbrush. It is then followed by professional flossing. Lastly, you’ll be asked to rinse with mouthwash to remove tartar residues.
See a Dentist in Crystal River, FL, Today!
Don’t allow your fear to compromise your oral health. The more informed you are, the healthier your mouth will be. At Smile on Citrus, we are committed to creating an exceptional dental experience that will meet your needs. We aim to provide a comfortable and clean environment so you’ll feel relaxed and have a pleasant experience with us. Contact us today for a consultation.